Summer is almost here and now is the time to start thinking about how we are going to make our outside space sparkle and shine with a gorgeous container garden! A lot of us don't have time or space to plant new additions to our garden or yard and so I compiled a list of plants that will simultaneously transform your outdoor space and (best of all) you can keep in a container! This list is fairly diverse so it will give you plenty of inspiration for your new or existing container garden.
Let's get started!
1. Dahlia:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Flower
Bloom Time: Summer and Fall
Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
The Dahlia is a gorgeous addition to any container garden, giving you these bushy and sophisticated blooms. These plants can get 1-6 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide so they are bound to make a splash anywhere you put them. Make sure to keep these guys in full sun and water 1-2 times per week to keep them happy and healthy!
2. Geranium(Pelargonium):
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Houseplant or Annual Flower
Bloom Time: Spring and Summer
Hardiness Zones: 10, 11
Geraniums are popular plants because of their ease of care. These plants look great in both hanging baskets and containers. Another added bonus of these guys is their scent is absolutely lovely!
3. Boxwood:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun-Partial Shade
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Shrub
Bloom Time: Spring and Summer
Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The Boxwood is a very popular choice among plant hobbyists and landscapers alike and for a good reason! This shrub is very easy to grow and very tolerant of different growing conditions. On top of that, it is absolutely gorgeous with its lush greenery. Keep a young boxwood's soil fairly moist but be careful not to overwater it and make sure your boxwood has great drainage.
4. Zinnias:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: High
Plant Type: Flower
Bloom Time: Summer and Fall
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Zinnias are a personal favorite for me. I mean, look at them, they're mesmerizing! They are known as easy flowers because they grow fast and bloom heavily. Zinnias are annual flowers, meaning they will complete their full life cycle in one season and then die. Planting these flowers in full sun and keeping their soil moist is essential. Do this, and you will have some happy, healthy, and beautiful zinnias for this year's container garden!
5. Cereus Cactus:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Low
Plant Type: Cacti
Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11
The Cereus Cactus is different than anything we have on this list. This baby can get pretty massive and if you're looking for a statement plant, this is your guy! These deep spiny ribs that they produce are really unique and over, this cactus is a must for everyone's list. Best of all, this guy does great in container gardens!
6. Lantana:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Perennial
Bloom Time: Year round
Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11
There are a few different types of Lantanas. All of them are mesmerizing flowers that are super popular container garden options. These plants love full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. These babies aren't drought tolerant so give them a thorough watering about once a week to stay happy. In warmer climates, this flower will stay with you all year long. As long as the temperature does not drop below 28° Fahrenheit, you're in the clear!
7. Plumbago (Leadwort):
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen shrub
Bloom Time: Year round
Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11
The beautiful Plumbago is also known by many as the "sky flower." Although this is a popular choice for container gardens, be aware that these guys can get truly massive. Make sure your container has plenty of room to let this baby grow. Like many of these other plants, water your plumbago often and give it plenty of direct sunlight if you want to keep it luscious and full.
8. Purple Passionflower:
Quick Overview:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, partial shade
Water: Medium
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Bloom Time: Summer and Fall
Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
The Purple Passionflower is the hardiest of all the passionflowers and it is a beautiful vining plant. Great for containers, and beautiful climbing up walls, fences, and trellises! Although they can tolerate partial shade, you really want to stick these guys in full sun for the best outcomes. To encourage these beautiful blooms, keep their soil consistently moist, but make sure not to overwater.
This completes our list of the 8 most amazing plants for your summer container garden! I hope this list inspires you and encourages you to get creative and maybe try out a new plant or two!
As always, stay planted my friends ❀
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